Real Madrid beat rivals to the €3 million prodigy, securing the 19-year-old midfielder Sergio Martinez from Racing de Santander for immediate integration into the capital club’s ranks under manager José Mourinho.
Portuguese manager José Mourinho started his second spell at Real Madrid with wins in the first two games of the 2026-2027 La Liga campaign. While preparations for further matches of the season continues, the club are making use of the still-open transfer market to secure the services of several players in a bid to bolster the squad and end the trophy drought. Spanish midfielder Sergio Martínez is the latest of such signings made by Los Blancos.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid have agreed to a deal with fellow Spanish side Racing de Santander for the transfer of 19-year-old midfielder Sergio Martínez to the club from the Spanish capital. The Italian journalist posted on his social media handle on X,
“Real Madrid have agreed deal to sign 19 year old midfielder Sergio Martínez from Racing Santander, here we go!”
The journalist also said that an amount of €3 million will be paid by Real Madrid to Racing de Santander as transfer fees for the movement of the Spaniard. He also confirmed that Martínez will join the Real Madrid set-up immediately; earlier reports of am immediate loan back to Real Racing Club were refuted. Romano wrote in his post,
“Martínez will join Real immediately, no loan to Racing; contract until 2030, deal worth €3m.”
Media outlet AS also confirmed the update by Fabrizio Romano, adding that the deal was secured after multiple phone calls between the involved parties. The report by AS also mentioned that Martínez will join Real Madrid Castilla upon his transfer. It is expected that the youngster will then be gradually integrated into the first-team environment.
The transfer of the Spaniard also means that earlier reports that suggested that Martínez may join English, German or Arabian clubs were also refuted. It was also reported that Spanish giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid’s city rivals, Atletico de Madrid, were also interested in securing the services of Sergio Martínez.
Martínez, a graduate of the Racing de Santander academy, made his debut for the first team in 2025, and has since appeared in 11 official league games for the club, and has netted one goal in the process. He was part of the Racing de Santander squad that won the Segunda División in 2025-2026 season, and secured promotion to the top flight of the Spanish football pyramid, La Liga, for the current 2026-2027 season.
Martínez has also been a part of the Spain National Football Team’s U19 squad since 2025, and has made 3 appearances for the team.
A move to a club of the stature of Real Madrid will definitely provide Sergio Martínez with the opportunity to improve his skills further, and also give him a platform to showcase his talent on the biggest stage of world football.
